Six Defendants to Face Trial After Supreme Court Drops Five Charges in Major Drug Case
NUKUʻALOFA – 13 October 2025
The Supreme Court of Tonga has ruled that six of the nine defendants in one of the country’s largest methamphetamine importation cases will face trial, after Chief Justice Malcolm Bishop KC dismissed five charges for lack of evidence.
The case, Rex v Fetuʻu & Others, stems from a major police operation into the importation of several consignments of methamphetamine from the United States in 2024. The accused included a mix of alleged financiers, facilitators, and family members linked to the shipments.
At the close of the Crown’s case, all defendants applied for “no case to answer.” Chief Justice Bishop applied the well-established Galbraith test, which requires that a case proceed only if a properly directed jury could reasonably convict based on the evidence presented.
After reviewing the evidence, the court found there was insufficient proof against three defendants — Elisa Valauela Fetuʻu, Losaline Uasike, and Charity Vicky Melaia Weatherall. The charges against them, including possession and engaging in the importation of illicit drugs, were dismissed.
However, six others were ordered to stand trial:
Tohitongi He Manatu Fetuʻu, who allegedly arranged shipments from California.
Taʻufoʻou Faleʻofa, accused of helping to facilitate the importation and found with a weighing scale.
ʻEneasi Tangi Taumoefolau, described as a financier who transferred more than $70,000 TOP to a U.S.-based contact.
Tevita ʻElone Tuʻiʻileʻila Shoji, who was caught with a red bag containing methamphetamine.
ʻUnikoni Kivalu, a customs officer alleged to have taken payment to clear the shipment.
Mafi Fatongiatau Lutui, accused of coordinating money transfers and communications with overseas suppliers.
Chief Justice Bishop cautioned that while some defendants were “caught red-handed” or directly tied to key financial and logistical arrangements, others had only peripheral links to the events and could not be convicted on speculation.
The court’s decision narrows the high-profile case to the six defendants facing the most serious allegations of importation, facilitation, and possession of methamphetamine. Proceedings are expected to continue later this year.
